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Sun BZ, Gaffin JM. Recent Insights into the Environmental Determinants of Childhood Asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:253-260. [PMID: 38498229 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ubiquitous environmental exposures, including ambient air pollutants, are linked to the development and severity of childhood asthma. Advances in our understanding of these links have increasingly led to clinical interventions to reduce asthma morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS We review recent work untangling the complex relationship between air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone and asthma, such as vulnerable windows of pediatric exposure and their interaction with other factors influencing asthma development and severity. These have led to interventions to reduce air pollutant levels in children's homes and schools. We also highlight emerging environmental exposures increasingly associated with childhood asthma. Growing evidence supports the present threat of climate change to children with asthma. Environmental factors play a large role in the pathogenesis and persistence of pediatric asthma; in turn, this poses an opportunity to intervene to change the course of disease early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Z Sun
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, BCH 3121, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Gaffin
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, BCH 3121, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Gibbons JT, Course CW, Evans EE, Kotecha S, Kotecha SJ, Simpson SJ. Increasing airway obstruction through life following bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a meta-analysis. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00046-2023. [PMID: 37342090 PMCID: PMC10277871 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00046-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies exist investigating lung function trajectories of those born preterm; however growing evidence suggests some individuals experience increasing airway obstruction throughout life. Here we use the studies identified in a recent systematic review to provide the first meta-analysis investigating the impact of preterm birth on airway obstruction measured by the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio. Methods Cohorts were included for analysis if they reported FEV1/FVC in survivors of preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation) and control populations born at term. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model, expressed as standardised mean difference (SMD). Meta-regression was conducted using age and birth year as moderators. Results 55 cohorts were eligible, 35 of which defined groups with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Compared to control populations born at term, lower values of FEV1/FVC were seen in all individuals born preterm (SMD -0.56), with greater differences seen in those with BPD (SMD -0.87) than those without BPD (SMD -0.45). Meta-regression identified age as a significant predictor of FEV1/FVC in those with BPD with the FEV1/FVC ratio moving -0.04 sds away from the term control population for every year of increased age. Conclusions Survivors of preterm birth have significantly increased airway obstruction compared to those born at term with larger differences in those with BPD. Increased age is associated with a decline in FEV1/FVC values suggesting increased airway obstruction over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T.D. Gibbons
- Children's Lung Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Emily E. Evans
- Department of Paediatrics, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sailesh Kotecha
- Department of Child Health, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sarah J. Kotecha
- Department of Child Health, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Shannon J. Simpson
- Children's Lung Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Environmental exposures, such as allergens and pollutants, are ubiquitous factors associated with asthma development and asthma morbidity. In this review, we highlight the most recent studies relevant to childhood asthma risk, onset, and exacerbation related to air pollution exposure. RECENT FINDINGS In this article, we review current research that has been published between 2021 and 2022, demonstrating the effects of early-life exposure to key air pollutants (e.g., particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and ground-level ozone (O 3 ), environmental tobacco smoke, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) on respiratory health. SUMMARY Air pollution continues to be a global burden with serious consequences related to respiratory health. Interventions aimed at reducing air pollution in the environment must be achieved in an effort to improve asthma outcomes and pediatric health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Mukharesh
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Harvard Medical School
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan M Gaffin
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
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Kotecha SJ, Gibbons JTD, Course CW, Evans EE, Simpson SJ, Watkins WJ, Kotecha S. Geographical Differences and Temporal Improvements in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second of Preterm-Born Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:867-877. [PMID: 35759258 PMCID: PMC9237805 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Although preterm birth is associated with later deficits in lung function, there is a paucity of information on geographical differences and whether improvements occur over time, especially after surfactant was introduced. Objective To determine deficits in percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) in preterm-born study participants, including those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infancy, when compared with term-born control groups. Data Sources Eight databases searched up to December 2021. Study Selection Studies reporting spirometry for preterm-born participants with or without a term-born control group were identified. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were extracted and quality assessed by 1 reviewer and checked by another. Data were pooled using random-effects models and analyzed using Review Manager and the R metafor package. Main Outcomes and Measures Deficits in %FEV1 between preterm-born and term groups. Associations between deficits in %FEV1 and year of birth, age, introduction of surfactant therapy, and geographical region of birth and residence were also assessed. Results From 16 856 titles, 685 full articles were screened: 86 with and without term-born control groups were included. Fifty studies with term controls were combined with the 36 studies from our previous systematic review, including 7094 preterm-born and 17 700 term-born participants. Of these studies, 45 included preterm-born children without BPD, 29 reported on BPD28 (supplemental oxygen dependency at 28 days), 26 reported on BPD36 (supplemental oxygen dependency at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age), and 86 included preterm-born participants. Compared with the term-born group, the group of all preterm-born participants (all preterm) had deficits of %FEV1 of -9.2%; those without BPD had deficits of -5.8%, and those with BPD had deficits of approximately -16% regardless of whether they had BPD28 or BPD36. As year of birth increased, there was a statistically significant narrowing of the difference in mean %FEV1 between the preterm- and term-born groups for the all preterm group and the 3 BPD groups but not for the preterm-born group without BPD. For the all BPD group, when compared with Scandinavia, North America and western Europe had deficits of -5.5% (95% CI, -10.7 to -0.3; P = .04) and -4.1% (95% CI, -8.8 to 0.5; P = .08), respectively. Conclusions and Relevance Values for the measure %FEV1 were reduced in preterm-born survivors. There were improvements in %FEV1 over recent years, but geographical region had an association with later %FEV1 for the BPD groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Kotecha
- Department of Child Health, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - James T D Gibbons
- Children's Lung Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kid's Institute, Perth, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Australia.,School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Christopher W Course
- Department of Child Health, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Emily E Evans
- Department of Paediatrics, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Shannon J Simpson
- Children's Lung Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kid's Institute, Perth, Australia.,School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - W John Watkins
- Department of Child Health, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sailesh Kotecha
- Department of Child Health, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Banzon TM, Phipatanakul W. Environmental Interventions for Asthma. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43:720-738. [PMID: 35803266 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1749453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure and sensitization to environmental factors play a fundamental role in asthma development and is strongly associated with asthma morbidity. While hereditary factors are critical determinants of asthma, exposures to environmental factors are implicated in the phenotypic expression of asthma and have been strongly associated in the risk of its development. Significant interest has thus been geared toward potentially modifiable environmental exposures which may lead to the development of asthma. Allergen exposure, in particular indoor allergens, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma, and remediation is a primary component of asthma management. In the home, multifaceted and multitargeted environmental control strategies have been shown to reduce home exposures and improve asthma outcomes. In addition to the home environment, assessment of the school, daycare, and workplace environments of patients with asthma is necessary to ensure appropriate environmental control measures in conjunction with medical care. This article will discuss the role of the environment on asthma, review targeted environmental therapy, and examine environmental control measures to suppress environmental exposures in the home and school setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina M Banzon
- Deparmtent of Allergy and Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Immunology, Clinical Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, Boston, Massachusetts
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Liu WY, Yi JP, Shi L, Tung TH. Association Between Air Pollutants and Pediatric Respiratory Outpatient Visits in Zhoushan, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:865798. [PMID: 35444995 PMCID: PMC9014799 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.865798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the time-series relationship between air pollutants and the number of children's respiratory outpatient visits in coastal cities. Methods We used time series analysis to investigate the association between air pollution levels and pediatric respiratory outpatient visits in Zhoushan city, China. The population was selected from children aged 0–18 who had been in pediatric respiratory clinics for eight consecutive years from 2014 to 2020. After describing the population and weather characteristics, a lag model was used to explore the relationship between outpatient visits and air pollution. Results We recorded annual outpatient visits for different respiratory diseases in children. The best synergy lag model found a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 for every 4–10% increase in the number of pediatric respiratory outpatient visits (P < 0.05). The cumulative effect of an increase in the number of daily pediatric respiratory clinics with a lag of 1–7 days was the best model. Conclusions PM2.5 is significantly related to the number of respiratory outpatient visits of children, which can aid in formulating policies for health resource allocation and health risk assessment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yi Liu
- Department of Health Policy Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Institute for Hospital Management, Tsing Hua University, Shenzhen, China.,Shanghai Bluecross Medical Science Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Ping Yi
- Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, China
| | - Leiyu Shi
- Department of Health Policy Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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Ruran HB, Adamkiewicz G, Cunningham A, Petty CR, Greco KF, Gunnlaugsson S, Stamatiadis N, Sierra G, Vallarino J, Alvarez M, Hayden LP, Sheils CA, Weller E, Phipatanakul W, Gaffin JM. Air quality, Environment and Respiratory Outcomes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, the AERO-BPD cohort study: design and adaptation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. BMJ Open Respir Res 2021; 8:e000915. [PMID: 34193433 PMCID: PMC8249170 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2021-000915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Almost half of all school-age children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have asthma-like symptoms and more suffer from lung function deficits. While air pollution and indoor respiratory irritants are known to affect high-risk populations of children, few studies have objectively evaluated environmental contributions to long-term respiratory morbidity in this population. This study aimed to examine the role of indoor environmental exposures on respiratory morbidity in children with BPD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Air quality, Environment and Respiratory Ouctomes in BPD (AERO-BPD) study is a prospective, single-centre observational study that will enrol a unique cohort of 240 children with BPD and carefully characterise participants and their indoor home environmental exposures. Measures of indoor air quality constituents will assess the relationship of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5), nitric oxide (NO), temperature and humidity, as well as dust concentrations of allergens, with concurrently measured respiratory symptoms and lung function.Adaptations to the research protocol due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic included remote home environment and participant assessments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Study protocol was approved by the Boston Children's Hospital Committee on Clinical Investigation. Dissemination will be in the form of peer-reviewed publications and participant information products. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04107701.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana B Ruran
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amparito Cunningham
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Immunology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carter R Petty
- Boston Children's Hospital, Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kimberly F Greco
- Boston Children's Hospital, Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sigfus Gunnlaugsson
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natalie Stamatiadis
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriella Sierra
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jose Vallarino
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marty Alvarez
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lystra P Hayden
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine A Sheils
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edie Weller
- Boston Children's Hospital, Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Immunology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan M Gaffin
- Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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